People who go to Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup this weekend will see some of the best equestrian riders in the world.

But they will also get to see the future of equestrian sports. The competitions this weekend feature riders at all age levels.

鈥淲e want to invite the community to come and see,鈥� said Jane Tidball, tbird CEO.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got a little boys and girls, you know, seven or eight years old running in like a walk trot class or a youngster鈥檚 class. And so we do everything from ponies to really the top in the world.鈥�

The equestrian park has created a special viewing experience that proved very popular, selling out weeks in advance. Tickets are sold out for the Pink Soir茅e party, which includes premium covered seating, complimentary parking, a complimentary cocktail or a beer, and gourmet hors d鈥檕euvres on June 4.

But there鈥檚 still great viewing opportunities for all the competition. The bleachers allow people to sit with family and friends, cheering on the riders.

When it鈥檚 time to eat, there鈥檚 four food service options in the park, ranging from gourmet to grab and go. There鈥檚 also licensed areas at tbird.

General admission for the Nations Cup is $10 per person, while children five and younger are admitted free. On Friday, June 2, the competitions run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Saturday schedule runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday鈥檚 big $400,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup is from 2 to 4 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m.

Tidball offered a tip for the public, to help streamline their entry. People are asked to enter at the gates at 6975 248th St. While there are other gates into tbird, people trying to go through them will be slowed as they are priority gates for riders and horses.

Once inside, there鈥檚 ample parking and lots to explore before settling in to enjoy the competition.

Tidball suggested people take a stroll through vendors鈥� row. Sure there鈥檚 horse-related items, but there鈥檚 also treats, a coffee shop, tbird swag, and even some surprises. It鈥檚 open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got 16 huts along vendors鈥� row that have really interesting stuff along there,鈥� she noted. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got a poodle parlour so if you want your dog washed, you can.鈥�

If the little ones get ants in their pants, tbird has families covered. There鈥檚 trails through the show park where the kids can burn off some energy and the adults can enjoy the scenery.

鈥淭here鈥檚 all kinds of games for the kids,鈥� Tidball added.

From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, there鈥檚 facepainting and a bouncy castle. The pony rides are available between noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday as well. These activities are free with admission.

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鈥� READ MORE: Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup

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